iPod Batteries Depleted / Forced to "Exchange"!

[cdcollura]

iPod Batteries Depleted / Forced to Exchange?

Good day all,

I am NOT Mac guy, and for obvious reasons. Well, maybe not that harsh (sorry).

How on earth do you get a battery replacement for an iPod classic (5G) 80 GB?

I see stuff online, including numerous videos on YouTube on some guy with long fingernails opening a 5G without tools and replacing the battery. I bite my nails, so that's out.

I think it's a camera trick, as the "credit card" and thin screwdriver trick failed to open my case.

I went to several stores, and ALL of them said "It's not worth it, buy a new one" as well as "you won't find anyone who does that" kind of BS.

My reaction: I am not spending $250 for a new IPod just because no one wants to do a $50 repair.

I was tempted yo just buy a new one and return the darn thing with the year-old (same) unit in it, but that's stealing.

Just for kicks, How and where DO YOU find such a battery replacement without having to send the unit in and wait 4 weeks to get it back?

This is clearly NOT the time to rip people off, right?

 

[rdale]

Apple will do a $59 battery replacement.

http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/prices/#us

And yes, now is not the time to illegally rip off anyone. Never is the time.

 

[John Vandehei]

If you still want to do the DIY method, give iFixit a try.

 

[Robert Rohloff]

Florida might put a stop to your chasing for being a thief..........



812.0155 Suspension of driver's license following an adjudication of guilt for theft.--
(1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), the court may order the suspension of the driver's license of each person adjudicated guilty of any misdemeanor violation of s. 812.014 or s. 812.015, regardless of the value of the property stolen. The court shall order the suspension of the driver's license of each person adjudicated guilty of any misdemeanor violation of s. 812.014 or s. 812.015 who has previously been convicted of such an offense. Upon ordering the suspension of the driver's license of the person adjudicated guilty, the court shall forward the driver's license of the person adjudicated guilty to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in accordance with s. 322.25. (a) The first suspension of a driver's license under this subsection shall be for a period of up to 6 months.

 

[Penny Lehner]

I sent mine in to Apple and I had it back within 2 weeks. I have 5 different versions of the iPod and have only had the battery go dead in one of them and that one was 4 years old before it died. Apple customer service has always been good IMO.

 

[Jason Foster]

It's still the leading reason why I won't get an iPhone or similar device. It's not even the lack of longevity of the battery, but the daily short recharge life cycle and the inability to swap a battery. This is especially true when I would want it in tropical/hurricane intercept mode when charge times will be limited and back-ups would be required. I don't think the 4g phone changed that either, obviously proving Apple is forcing customers to "swap", of course it's also 90% of the customers that are constantly upgrading every model that comes out.

 

[Rick Wilson]

My iPod Touch (it was a gift) battery died while still in warranty. Apple would replace it free except for the $40 shipping/handling charge. So I took it to the Apple store and told them I did not want it "handled" just the battery replaced. No joy.

I got a replacement battery and "opening tool" from these guys:
http://www.uxcell.com/replacement-battery-kit-ipod-c-983_1156.html

Worked like a champ. Seven bucks plus shipping.

"Note: A technician is recommended for installation. Our company is not responsible for any damage caused by installation of this accessory."

I didn't think it was too hard at all. Your mileage may vary.

 

[cdcollura]

Good day all,

Thanks a bunch guys!

I got a new battery and it works great. I also got one of those external batteries for my iPhone.

Costed me no more than 35 bucks!

 

[Mike Deep]

This is why I don't buy devices not intended for basic user service, like, I dunno... Changing the battery.

Unfortunately everyone seems to be following Apple's lead now and making it difficult (And warranty-voiding) to open players.

 

[cdcollura]

Good day all,

This is why I don't buy devices not intended for basic user service, like, I dunno... Changing the battery.

Unfortunately everyone seems to be following Apple's lead now and making it difficult (And warranty-voiding) to open players.

To be honest (and no offense) Apple S-cks - Hands down.

In this day and age, allowing easily replaceable service, like batteries in my case, should be a straight-forward and easy process. Like going to Best Buy and getting a new camcorder battery (or a cheap replacement on-line).

But Apple shoves their proprietary stuff down your throat, like it or not, and if a battery goes dead, the ENTIRE unit has to be replaced (unless you tried some extra options as in my case).

Above:

Florida might put a stop to your chasing for being a thief...

See my point? I was CLOSE to buying a new unit, and returning the old one for a refund. Not right, as after a few replies of me being a "thief" ... I did NOT go that path. Plus I am a superstitious guy when it comes to Karma, and I do not wanna put anyone else out of work ... But it gets me thinking -

- how many people here in the US did that? It's oh-so frustrating going all the way to a store, and the (un educated) "experts" there say "we don't have it" or, even worse, "It's cheaper to but a new one" ... Nope, I am an IT guy, and that is BS, I don't buy that!

This is VERY hard on the consumer, but does wonders at creating and / or maintaining jobs with the company (Apple in this case).

Although un-related, I remember a latch breaking on my car door in '03. It was not warranty, and (according to my dealer) the entire "assembly" had to be replaced, at a cost of $435.

After some "research", I found the part, and got it for $10, and repaired it myself in 2-3 minutes. Now that's more like it (not the "Apple way" ey)?

I was out of work at the time and could never afford spending $435 for the repair. Now imagine, your iPhone battery goes dead (cannot hold a charge), ask yourself ... Spent $350 for a "new" unit, or $25 for a battery ... Duh, I'll choose the latter (?)

Back in the day, inventor "Eli Whitney" came up with the conccept of "interchangeable parts" ... Is "money" and some rich companies (Apple for instance) ideas of "replace the whole thing" a solution? ... Didn't think so.

I will NEVER get an iPhone because of this. The iPod is just for music. My cell phone is Samsung, BTW...

 

[Jason Foster]

It is interesting to think...shameful and frustrating to realize that a large percentage of cost of such electronics these days is compensation for overall lost revenue due to theft. Whether it is direct or indirect it all costs a lot. some have estimated as much as 40% in electronics retail price.